Saturday, February 8, 2014

My name is Kechi Okwuchi. I am 24 years old, currently a senior at the University of St. Thomas, a private Catholic college in Houston, Texas, USA. I am a burn victim, and have been for eight years now. It’s almost hard to believe it’s been that long since my accident. Still, it feels like no matter how much times passes, the memory never dulls.

As everyone present is probably already aware, I am one of the two survivors of the Sosoliso plane crash that happened on December 10th, 2005. I left from Loyola Jesuit College, a boarding high school in Abuja, with 60 other schoolmates to board a plane headed to Port Harcourt for the Christmas holiday. It was about 20 minutes to landing that everything went wrong, because what we thought was turbulence became something much more serious. Chaos erupted in the plane and I held my friend’s hand from across the aisle. The last thing I remember is hearing a painfully loud sound, like metal scraping against metal, before I blacked out. I have no recollection of what happened between that moment and when I woke up a month later in Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa, where I was sent for emergency treatment by the company Shell, which sponsored my entire care over there.

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. The foreign authority was the source of this information.

On December 10, 2005, at about 1408 hours local time, Nigerian registry 5N-BFD, a McDonnell Douglas DC-9-31, operated by Sosoliso Airlines, collided with the ground during an instrument approach to runway 21 at Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Instrument meteorlogical conditions and thunderstorms prevailed. The 2 flightcrew crewmembers, 5 cabin crew members, and 100 passengers were fatally injured. Three passengers received serious injuries. The aircraft was destroyed. There was fire. The departure point was Abuja, Nigeria.

The investigation is under the jurisdiction of the Nigerian Accident Investigation and Prevention Bureau, Abjua, Nigeria. The US Accredited Representative is Dennis Jones, NTSB, Washington, D.C. (202-314-6321)

The recent downgrading of India's aviation safety ranking, because of inadequate regulatory oversight, by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is a blow to India's image: it is now ranked at par with the Philippines, Indonesia, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh — and below Pakistan. Civil aviation minister Ajit Singh described the development as "disappointing". But the demand to fix accountability for this unwarranted mess was totally ignored.

What made the downgrade more unfortunate was that though enough warnings had been given, they were not heeded to and the ministry's chalta hai attitude prevailed. The downgrade has come as no surprise. The recent past is replete with instances of the ministry's procrastination in every aspect of its functioning and neglect of priorities.Musical ChairsIndia is functioning without a national aviation policy. For over 20 years, the policy has been in formulation phase. In recent years, I have stopped hearing anything related to it, as if plans have been quietly buried.

Why has it remained in cold storage? The political leadership and bureaucrats, in the absence of policy, take ad-hoc and partisan decisions, depending on which airline or country is seeking a sanction.

To understand the downgrade of our safety ranking, one needs to look at the way the sector is being managed. Bureaucrats with no knowledge of the aviation sector have been appointed in the ministry. They learn on the job, take flawed decisions and by the time they have acquired a modicum of understanding, they are moved out on completion of tenure.

One minister introduced the eligibility norm of five years of domestic operations and fleet of minimum 20 aircraft to fly internationally, to suit a particular airline. Another minister called it a manipulated policy and is now trying to revoke it.

Flying on AutopilotA consequence of inexperienced personnel running the sector and ministers wielding huge powers has been the dismal state of the industry. Problems identified years ago have been allowed to fester. If fuel prices have contributed to high operational costs, nothing meaningful has been done. Same with congestion at airports.

Regulator Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is now in the eye of the storm. It has been managed by IAS officers for almost a decade now. With no inductions allowed in DGCA for over 15 years when the industry witnessed maximum expansion, the number of officers needed for effective monitoring are today far short of the requirement.

Under pressure from the US after compliance audit, and the threat of downgrade looming on the horizon, the ministry quickly decided to create 75 positions of technical personnel to carry out safety inspection of airlines and private charter companies, before the formal announcement was received. Singh is hoping that by March, the downgrade will be reversed. His optimism is misplaced. The induction of personnel, following government-approved procedures, will take time.

Air India is the biggest casualty; it took the ministry over two years to formulate a turnaround plan for it and infuse equity. It bungled on aircraft purchase for Air India and on its merger with Indian Airlines. DGCA has lost its autonomy and become an extended arm of the ministry with joint secretaries designated as the head of the regulatory body.

This loss of focus was evident recently when DGCA showed greater concern for the extension of privileges to MPs by private airlines, than attend to aviation safety. A new regulatory agency, Civil Aviation Authority, approved by the Cabinet in July 2013, to replace DGCA, has still to take shape.Babus with Long Red Tape

All state-owned companies under the aviation ministry are managed by IAS officers: Air India is managed by them full time, the DGCA, Airports Authority of India and Pawan Hans, part-time.

Our airlines report 75% occupancy. Yet, most report losses and one has collapsed. The policy on investment from overseas airlines was delayed till Kingfisher Airlines was almost dead. The only job accomplished with alacrity in recent years by the ministry has been to grant excessive air traffic rights to foreign carriers, even if it means compromising the interests of Indian carriers. Sometimes, the ministry's bureaucrats work with supreme efficiency.

Like the time when they awarded 36,700 seats per week on the India-Abu Dhabi sector or when they approved the Jet-Etihad deal in under two months. The same ministry and the same Cabinet had taken over two years to sanction the launch of Air India Engineering Services.

The US downgrade is a wake-up call. Civil aviation needs expertise. Bureaucrats with file-pushing skills will just not do. Aviation is a catalyst for economic growth and it cannot be neglected. Maybe the next government will set things right.The writer is former executive director, Air IndiaStory and comments/reaction: http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com

NTSB Identification: ERA14FA115 14 CFR Part 91: General AviationAccident occurred Saturday, February 08, 2014 in Panacea, FLProbable Cause Approval Date: 09/29/2015Aircraft: ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY R44 II, registration: N571ACInjuries: 2 Fatal, 1 Serious.NTSB investigators either traveled in support of this investigation or conducted a significant amount of investigative work without any travel, and used data obtained from various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.The pilot and two passengers departed on a local flight to a nearby airport. They arrived near sunset, dined at a local restaurant, and returned about 1 hour later. Multiple witnesses reported that the area where the helicopter was parked was dark on the night of the accident; the airport manager stated that the runway lights did not illuminate the trees at the end of the runway. After a preflight inspection, the pilot started the helicopter and announced his position and intentions over the common traffic advisory frequency. A passenger reported that she heard the pilot say, “here we go.” The helicopter then impacted the tops of 50-ft-tall trees about 350 ft from the departure location. Examination of the airframe and wreckage revealed no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot had accumulated 1 hour of night flight experience in the 11 months before the accident flight. Given the dark night conditions at the time of departure and his lack of recent night flight experience, it is likely that the pilot was unaware of the trees and did not successfully navigate above the trees and away from the airport.Review of the pilot’s medical records and toxicology report revealed that he had been taking a disqualifying medication (pramipexole) since 2006. He reported the use of the medication during his aviation medical exam in 2012, and, although the medication should have been disqualifying, the aviation medical examiner issued the pilot a medical certificate. While symptoms of the disqualifying medication included “falling asleep while engaged in activities of daily living, including operation of motor vehicles,” witnesses reported no abnormalities in the pilot’s sleep patterns or behavior, including on the day of the flight. Based on witness statements and the pilot’s long history of using this medication, it is likely that he was not affected by the medication’s published symptoms during the flight. The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from trees during a takeoff at night. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of recent night flight experience. HISTORY OF FLIGHTOn February 8, 2014, about 1945 eastern standard time, a Robinson R44 II, N571AC, was substantially damaged when it impacted trees after takeoff from Wakulla County Airport (2J0), Panacea, Florida. The private pilot and one passenger were fatally injured, and another passenger sustained serious injuries. The helicopter was registered to Capital Helicopters, LLC, and was operated by a flight school. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the flight, which was destined for Tallahassee Regional Airport (TLH), Tallahassee, Florida. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.According to the surviving passenger, the pilot planned to fly three passengers to 2J0 for dinner and return directly to TLH, which was a common flight for the pilot. On the day of the accident, the fourth occupant became ill and elected to stay home. The pilot and two passengers departed TLH about 1720 bound for 2J0. They flew a scenic route along the waterfront and landed at the north end of the airport. The pilot and his passengers finished dinner about 1935 and were then driven to the airport, which was located about 1 mile north of the restaurant. After a preflight inspection, the pilot started the helicopter and announced his position and intentions over the common traffic advisory frequency. The surviving passenger heard the pilot say, "here we go" and seconds later they impacted trees and came to rest inverted in shallow water.Two witnesses observed the helicopter prior to the accident. One of the witnesses recalled seeing the helicopter parked at the end of runway 36 earlier that day with the tail facing north. Witnesses who lived in the vicinity of the accident site were interviewed separately shortly after the accident and were asked to describe the weather and lighting conditions that prevailed at the time. The witnesses consistently described the lighting conditions as "dark" or "very" dark and overcast. The surviving passenger recalled a "thin misty fog" that was present at the time of the accident. A witness who lived about 1 mile south of the accident site described the weather conditions at the time of the accident as a dark night, overcast, with no fog. He also stated that the accident site was very dark and added there were no lights from the sky, airport or street that reached the accident site. According to the surviving passenger, the pilot had requested that she sit in the left rear seat to "even out the weight and balance." A few seconds after takeoff, the passenger observed trees ahead of the helicopter and called out to the pilot prior to impact.The surviving passenger also remarked that the pilot was "probably trying to fly the fastest route home" as he was intent on returning home to spend time with his daughter and had been gone longer than planned. An employee at the restaurant where the pilot and two passengers had dinner, reported that the group arrived about 1815. According to a receipt, none of the three patrons consumed alcoholic beverages. The customers paid their bill promptly and then exited the restaurant. The restaurant owner drove the customers to the airport.PERSONNEL INFORMATIONThe pilot, age 49, held a private pilot certificate with a rating for rotorcraft-helicopter. His most recent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) second-class medical certificate was issued on April 5, 2012 with the limitation, "must wear corrective lenses for near and distant vision." The pilot did not possess an instrument rating. The pilot obtained most of his flight training for his private pilot certificate through Tallahassee Helicopters. After he received his private pilot certificate in 2012, he continued to rent helicopters from the flight school.According to the pilot's logbook, as of February 1, 2014 the pilot had accumulated 334.8 total hours of flight experience, 309 hours of which were in helicopters. The pilot recorded at least 189.2 hours of flight experience in the accident helicopter make and model. He had also accumulated 22.6 total hours of night flight experience and only one hour of night flight experience in the preceding 11 months. AIRCRAFT INFORMATIONThe accident helicopter was based at TLH and operated by Tallahassee Helicopters. According to FAA records, the accident helicopter was manufactured in 2005. The helicopter was powered by a Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5 245 hp engine and driven by a two-blade main rotor system. The helicopter's most recent 100-hour inspection was completed on November 15, 2013; at the time it had accumulated 946.4 hours total time in service (TTIS). At the time of the accident the helicopter had accumulated 997.3 TTIS.METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATIONA review of airports within a 50 nautical miles radius of the airport showed similar meteorological conditions. The following weather observations were recorded at TLH, which was located about 24 nautical miles from the accident site, at an elevation of 83 feet msl:At 0053, calm wind; visibility 10 statute miles; clear skies; temperature 11 degrees C, dew point 8 degrees C; altimeter 30.15 inches of mercury.A representative of the National Weather Service (NWS) based in Tallahasee, Florida stated there were no weather reporting facilities closer than 24 nautical miles from the accident site that captured visibility and cloud ceilings at the time of the accident. According to the U.S. Naval Observatory, on the date of the accident, sunset occurred at 1820 and civil twilight ended at 1845. The moon rise was recorded at 1320, and was observed in transit at 2019 and set at 0320 on the following day. About 68% of the moon disc was illuminated at the time of the accident.AIRPORT INFORMATIONThe departure airport was located about 350 feet east of the accident site. The airport comprised of one turf runway, which measured 2,590 feet long and 70 feet wide and was equipped with low intensity runway edge lights. There was a clear area at the north end of the airport, where the helicopter had departed from. According to the manager, the runway lights did not illuminate the trees that bordered the west side of the runway. A rural neighborhood surrounded the airport to the east and west. There was also a highway adjacent to the northern tip of the airport that ran northwest.WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATIONThe accident site was located in a marsh area bordered by trees about 350 feet from the helicopter's departure point. The initial impact point was identified by several damaged tree limbs about 50 feet above the ground, which were about 25 feet from the helicopter's final resting location. The wreckage path was oriented about 340 degrees magnetic and extended from the initial impact point to where the main wreckage came to rest. The main wreckage was inverted in water and oriented on a northerly heading. The middle wire of a three strand power line, also located in the wreckage path, was severed during the accident and repaired before NTSB investigators arrived on scene. There were no indications of pre or postimpact fire.The wreckage was subsequently recovered from the accident scene and examined at a nearby law enforcement facility.The tailboom remained attached to the fuselage and was severed about three feet from the tail rotor section. The severed tail section consisted of the tailboom structure, horizontal stabilizer, the upper and lower vertical stabilizers, and the tail rotor. The forward 10-foot section of the tailboom was canted to the left. There was no visible damage to both tail rotor blades, which also remained attached to the tail rotor gearbox. The horizontal and upper vertical stabilizers were intact, and the lower vertical stabilizer exhibited some compression damage. The main rotor mast was impact separated from the helicopter and co-located with the main wreckage. For reference purposes, the two main rotor blades were arbitrarily designated "A" and "B". Blade "A" was bent about 45 degrees downward and segmented into thirds with most of the blade spar still intact and attached to the main rotor hub. The remaining 10 inches of "Blade A" blade spar were not recovered. The middle third section of the blade was partially separated and the remaining outboard third of the blade was fracture-separated parallel to the blade chord. Blade "B" was bent down about 30 degrees and remained intact to the blade tip. The skin and honeycomb section of the remaining 2 feet of blade had separated. Both blades exhibited compression and impact damage. The drive belts were broken, but exhibited no signs of rolling. Both the upper and lower actuator bearings rotated freely and the sprag clutch locked and free-wheeled normally. The main rotor gearbox was detached from the airframe, broken into several pieces, and rotated freely. The engine starter ring gear exhibited linear scoring that was parallel in direction to the gear's rotation. The aft surface of the upper sheave displayed circular scoring and the upper drive belt sheave exhibited multiple scores across its grooves that were consistent with machining marks.Examination of the flight control system revealed separations consistent with overload on multiple push-pull tubes. There were additional separations within the cyclic stick assembly, cyclic torque tube, and the Blade "B" pitch change link. Control continuity for the cyclic, collective, and anti-torque systems was established and all separations were consistent with overload fractures. All separations in the tail rotor driveshaft were consistent with bending overload. Main and tail rotor gearbox continuity was confirmed. Both fuel bladder tanks were separated from the main wreckage. The fuel caps remained attached to their respective fuel tanks. The fuel lines were torn at the line outlets, but intact from the tear to the engine. Fuel line continuity was confirmed through the vent lines in the mast fairing, vent fittings on both tanks, interconnect hose, vent hoses and main tank rollover valve. The engine remained mounted within the engine compartment. The crankshaft was rotated by hand and valve-train continuity and thumb compression were observed on all cylinders. Both magnetos remained attached to the engine and produced spark at their respective spark plug ends when tested by hand rotation of the engine. All spark plugs were removed and inspected with the exception of cylinder No. 6 top spark plug, which could not be removed due to airframe damage. Each spark plug electrode was intact and displayed "normal" combustion signatures when compared with a spark plug wear chart, with the exception of cylinder No. 5 top spark plug, which was oil fouled. A borescope examination of all cylinders did not reveal any abnormalities. Examination of the airframe, engine, and drive systems did not reveal any evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions. MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATIONAn autopsy was performed on the pilot by the District Two Office of the Medical Examiner, Tallahassee, Florida. The cause of death was listed as "multiple blunt force trauma." The FAA's Bioaeronautical Sciences Research Laboratory, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, performed toxicological testing on the pilot. No carbon monoxide or ethanol were detected in the samples submitted. The testing detected the presence of Citalopram and n-desmethylcitalopram in the blood in quantities of 0.398 ug/mL and 0.533 ug/mL, respectively. Citalopram, marketed under the trade name Celexa, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant and desmethylcitalopram is the metabolite. The testing also detected an unquantified amount of desmethylsildenafil, dextromethorphan, dextrorphan, and pramipexole in the blood and liver samples submitted. Dextrorphan is the metabolite of dextramoethorphan, a cough suppressant found in common over the counter medications. Unquantified amounts of Citalopram and n-desmethylcitalopram were also detected in the pilot's liver. Review of the pilot's personal medical history revealed that he had been taking pramipexole since 2006. Pramipexole, marketed under the trade name Mirapex, is a dopamine agonist used to treat Parkinsons disease and restless leg syndrome. Mirapex use is associated with serious risks including "falling asleep while engaged in activities of daily living, including operation of motor vehicles;" hypotension, hallucinations, and major behavioral changes. On April 5, 2012, the pilot reapplied for a second class medical certificate, at which time he reported Zocor, Trilipix, and Mirapex. Although Mirapex is a disqualifying drug, the pilot's Aviation Medical Examiner noted it as "previously reported" and subsequently issued him a second-class medical certificate.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION72-hour HistoryFollow-up interviews with both the pilot's daughter and the pilot's girlfriend were used to construct a 72-hour history. On the night of Thursday, February 6, 2014, the pilot drove home to Tallahassee, Florida, from Jacksonville, Florida after a work related meeting. The following day the pilot drove to his girlfriend's house about 1600 and subsequently returned home about 1830. He conversed with his daughter for about 30 minutes before going to dinner with his girlfriend. At 1530 on the day of the accident, the pilot and his girlfriend picked up the second passenger from his home and subsequently drove to the pilot's house to collect his airport badge before driving to the airport. The pilot's daughter and girlfriend observed no abnormalities in the pilot's behavior or sleep patterns during these three days. Night FlightAccording to the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25A),"While the cones adapt rapidly to changes in light intensities, the rods take much longer. Walking from bright sunlight into a dark movie theater is an example of this dark adaptation period experience. The rods can take approximately 30 minutes to fully adapt to darkness. A bright light, however, can completely destroy night adaptation, leaving night vision severely compromised while the adaptation process is repeated."According to the Robinson Helicopter Company R-44 Helicopter Pilot's Operating Handbook (2-7 Limitations),"Orientation during night flight must be maintained by visual reference to ground objects illuminated solely by lights on the ground or adequate celestial illumination." Airport Lighting Safety AdvancementThe investigation revealed there were no lights to illuminate the trees that were struck by the helicopter during the accident. The Florida Department of Transportation installed a light at the northwestern end of the airport in March 2015 to illuminate the affected trees.

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. NTSB investigators either traveled in support of this investigation or conducted a significant amount of investigative work without any travel, and used data obtained from various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.

On February 8, 2014, about 1945 eastern standard time, a Robinson R-44 II, N571AC, was substantially damaged when it impacted trees and terrain after takeoff from Wakulla County Airport (2J0), Panacea, Florida. The private pilot and one passenger were fatally injured, and another passenger sustained serious injuries. The helicopter was registered to Capital Helicopters, LLC, and was operated by a private individual. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the flight, which was destined for Tallahassee Regional Airport (TLH), Tallahassee, Florida. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.

The helicopter had landed at 2J0 earlier in the day with the pilot and two passengers onboard. After eating at a local restaurant the pilot and passengers were transported back to the airport, where they arrived at approximately 1930 for their return flight to TLH. According to the surviving passenger, the pilot stated they would have to "back up" the helicopter prior to takeoff. The helicopter then departed the airport and, moments later, the passenger called out the pilot's name as they impacted trees.

A witness at the airp ort reported seeing the helicopter parked "facing south" prior to its departure. He did not observe the helicopter take off, but after hearing a loud "snap," he drove to the end of his driveway, where he heard the passenger calling for help.

The wreckage was located in a marsh bordered by trees, about 353 feet northwest of the departure end of runway 36. The tree tops located next to the main wreckage exhibited impact markings approximately 50 feet above ground level. The main wreckage was oriented about 24 degrees magnetic, and came to rest inverted in several feet of water. The main rotor blades both exhibited coning in the negative direction, but remained attached to the main rotor mast with the exception of the trailing edge of one of the blades, which had been impact separated. The tailboom was separated from the fuselage and was co-located with the main wreckage.

Curtis Clifford, in green, with his wife Kim to the right, and his three children. / Photo provided by Clifford family

The two men who died in a helicopter crash in Wakulla County a week ago have been laid to rest, but their families are remembering the two as warm, outgoing individuals, eager to give to anyone in need.

Curtis Clifford, 53, and Terry B. Ooten, 49, both lived in Tallahassee for more than 25 years. Clifford moved to Tallahassee in 1986 and Ooten in 1969.

Clifford’s father, Ron Clifford, told the Democrat from his home in Hilton Head, S.C., his son, a salesman, had an unquenchable thirst for life and enjoyed meeting new people.

“He used to say he was here just to make people smile,” Ron Clifford said. “He just loved talking to people, helping people solve their problems. He loved selling things because he knew it was helping people do something better.”

Ooten’s obituary said the licensed helicopter pilot and president of Trademark Development and Construction went above and beyond in caring for his two children, taught cooking classes at Publix and enjoyed traveling and flying.

“He would be the life of the party, cooking food for anybody who wanted it,” the obituary said. “Terry was a kind-hearted, optimistic person who always had a positive outlook on life and a warm smile for everyone.”

Ron Clifford, who flew fixed-wing airplanes, said his son jumped at the chance to fly in the helicopter piloted by Ooten last week. Curtis Clifford’s wife Kim was offered a seat, but declined.

The helicopter was trying to take off from the Wakulla County Airport about 8 p.m. Feb. 8, when it collided with a tree limb and eventually landed on its roof, the Wakulla County Sheriff's Office said.

Ooten and Clifford were pronounced dead on scene, but passenger Sheri Devore, 46, also of Tallahassee, was taken to the hospital with unknown injuries. She remained at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare in fair condition as of Friday.

Investigators recovered the helicopter from a nearby swamp, according to National Transportation Safety Board spokesman Eric Weiss. The impact area of the crash was 30 yards wide. NTSB could not say Wednesday whether the tree limb played a role in the crash or was something the helicopter hit as it fell to the ground.

The investigation into the cause of the crash is likely to last more than a year, but the NTSB is expected to release its preliminary findings next week. The aircraft had been used by WTXL as a news helicopter. Weiss did not know when the helicopter was made.

Thomas Diefenbach, president of Tallahassee Helicopters — which owned the four-seat Robinson R-44 helicopter — said many factors may have led to the crash. A helicopter’s blade system is crucial to its flight, he said, and any damage or reduction of speed could contribute to such an incident.

“If a rotor blade hits a solid object, a tree certainly, or it gets off course, bent or damaged,” Diefenbach said, “it would slow down, taking the lift away. The aircraft could be completely out of control.”

He added that helicopters undergo rigorous maintenance schedules and are checked after every 100 hours of use.

“They’re in excellent condition compared to a car,” Diefenbach said. “Any part that is remotely out of tolerance would have to be replaced.”

NTSB officials are in the fact-finding phase of the investigation. The agency’s spokesman Weiss said investigators are looking into every aspect of the helicopter’s mechanics as well as the background of the pilot and passengers.

“That’s why we investigate these things,” Weiss said. “Right now, the way we do our investigations, everything is under consideration.”

In the last 10 years, 1,470 accidents occurred involving helicopters used as air ambulances, for search and rescue missions and commercial helicopter operations. As a result, 477 people died and 274 were injured, according to NTSB.

WCSO said the trio was heading back to Tallahassee after dinner at Angelo’s in Panacea. Ron Clifford said people at the restaurant saw the three drinking iced tea. Several said they stayed away from alcohol because they were flying.

They also made a lasting impression.

“All the people that saw them in the restaurant said they were having a blast,” Ron said, crying on the phone. “At least they were having fun right up until the last minute.”

Investigators are working with the helicopter’s engine manufacturer, Lycoming, and the maker of the frame, Robinson, and were doing an on-scene investigation earlier this week, where they collected evidence and examined the wreckage.

Now they’re looking at maintenance and pilot records, as well as autopsy and toxicology reports.

Funeral services for both men were held in Tallahassee this week. Members of Ooten’s family could not be reached for comment.

Ron Clifford said his family is a tight-knit group that gathers each year in Hilton Head for Camp Clifford, where family members are assigned a number denoting their family rank. The numbers now reach into the 30s.

He lost a son to Lou Gehrig’s disease a few years ago, but the unexpected death of a second son is different.

“This is a little tougher to deal with because it’s over in a heartbeat and you don’t get to say goodbye,” Ron Clifford said. “I don’t know how you get through this without the Lord and your close friends. It’s almost impossible.”

Terry Bryan OotenTerry Bryan Ooten, 49, of Tallahassee, passed away Saturday, February 8, 2014. A
celebration of his life will be held in a memorial service at Wildwood
Presbyterian Church in Tallahassee on Thursday, February 13th at 2:00
pm. A burial service will be held immediately following at MeadowWood
Memorial Park, Timberlane Road. Bevis Funeral Home (www.bevisfh.com or 850/385.2193) is handling the arrangements.

A native of Chattanooga, TN, Terry lived in Tallahassee since 1969.He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1986. He studied at Florida State University and The University of Florida, graduating with an engineering degree.Among
other businesses owned, he was the president of Trademark Development
and Construction. He was a member of the Capital Tiger Bay Club and the
Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Terry loved his children with all
of his heart, and supported his family and all of their activities. He
went above and beyond in caring for his children.He
was an avid supporter of his daughter Olivia, and her passions
throughout her life including Maclay girls' soccer, running, and
traveling. He was very involved as she grew up. Terry was Mr. Science in
Kindergarten and would come in and do experiments in Olivia's class.
Terry was also the leader of the Indian Princesses, and contributed a
lot to Brownies.

Terry also supported
his son, TJ Ooten, in every way possible. Terry faithfully followed TJ's
baseball teams, football teams, basketball teams, tennis teams, track
team, and Cub Scouts throughout TJ's childhood. Terry would always be
more than willing to host parties for his children, and he would often
be the life of the party, cooking food for anybody who wanted it.

Other than his family, his great joys in life were traveling, cooking, and flying.Terry
taught cooking classes at Publix in his spare time, and he loved
inventing new recipes and entertaining people. He was always making
plans for the next place that his family wanted to visit. He believed in
exposing his children to the world, and letting them experience
different people and cultures as they grew up. Terry was a kind hearted,
optimistic person who always had a positive outlook on life and a warm
smile for everyone.

He is survived by
his wife of 25 years, Melissa Ooten, a son Terry Bryan Ooten, Jr. (TJ),
21, a daughter Olivia Madison Ooten, 18, his father Homer Ooten, his
sister Cynthia (Cindy) Ooten Milne (Ian Milne), his nephew Alexander
Milne, mother-in-law Linda Mings (Lonnie Mings), father-in-law David
Wood, sister-in-law Susan Wood, and a host of other family members and
friends.He was preceded by his mother Pamela Ooten.

In
lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fellowship of Christian
Athletes or FL. Baptist Children's Home.

A
celebration of his life will be held in a memorial service at Wildwood
Presbyterian Church in Tallahassee on Thursday, February 13th at 2:00
pm. A burial service will be held immediately following at MeadowWood
Memorial Park, Timberlane Road. Bevis Funeral Home (www.bevisfh.com or 850/385.2193) is handling the arrangements.
A native of Chattanooga, TN, Terry lived in Tallahassee since 1969.He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1986. He studied at Florida State University and The University of Florida, graduating with an engineering degree.Among
other businesses owned, he was the president of Trademark Development
and Construction. He was a member of the Capital Tiger Bay Club and the
Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Terry loved his children with all
of his heart, and supported his family and all of their activities. He
went above and beyond in caring for his children.He
was an avid supporter of his daughter Olivia, and her passions
throughout her life including Maclay girls' soccer, running, and
traveling. He was very involved as she grew up. Terry was Mr. Science in
Kindergarten and would come in and do experiments in Olivia's class.
Terry was also the leader of the Indian Princesses, and contributed a
lot to Brownies.
Terry also supported
his son, TJ Ooten, in every way possible. Terry faithfully followed TJ's
baseball teams, football teams, basketball teams, tennis teams, track
team, and Cub Scouts throughout TJ's childhood. Terry would always be
more than willing to host parties for his children, and he would often
be the life of the party, cooking food for anybody who wanted it.
Other than his family, his great joys in life were traveling, cooking, and flying.Terry
taught cooking classes at Publix in his spare time, and he loved
inventing new recipes and entertaining people. He was always making
plans for the next place that his family wanted to visit. He believed in
exposing his children to the world, and letting them experience
different people and cultures as they grew up. Terry was a kind hearted,
optimistic person who always had a positive outlook on life and a warm
smile for everyone.
He is survived by
his wife of 25 years, Melissa Ooten, a son Terry Bryan Ooten, Jr. (TJ),
21, a daughter Olivia Madison Ooten, 18, his father Homer Ooten, his
sister Cynthia (Cindy) Ooten Milne (Ian Milne), his nephew Alexander
Milne, mother-in-law Linda Mings (Lonnie Mings), father-in-law David
Wood, sister-in-law Susan Wood, and a host of other family members and
friends.He was preceded by his mother Pamela Ooten.
In
lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fellowship of Christian
Athletes or FL. Baptist Children's Home. - See more at:
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/tallahassee/obituary.aspx?n=terry-bryan-ooten&pid=169623089&fhid=5827#sthash.xBpR7JQZ.dpuf

Sheri Devore (pictured), 46 of Tallahassee, was among three people on board the Tallahassee Helicopters Robinson R-44 helicopter when it crashed early Saturday evening.

The pilot, Terry Ooten, and a second passenger, Curtis Robert Clifford, were both killed.

The pilot, Terry Ooten, and a second passenger, Curtis Robert Clifford (pictured), were both killed.

UPDATE (February 10, 2014 - 11:08 A.M.)

PANACEA, Fla. (WTXL) -- The lone survivor of a weekend helicopter crash has been upgraded to 'fair condition'.

Sheri Devore, 46 of Tallahassee, was among three
people on board the Tallahassee Helicopters Robinson R-44 helicopter
when it crashed early Saturday evening.The pilot, Terry Ooten, and a second passenger, Curtis Robert Clifford, were both killed.A spokeswoman with Tallahassee Memorial Hospital told WTXL ABC27 Monday morning that Devore has been upgraded to fair condition.Investigators with the National Transportation
Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are trying to determine
the cause of the crash.Deputies with the Wakulla County Sheriff's Office
says the helicopter crashed after hitting trees and power lines as it
was taking off Saturday evening from the Wakulla County Airport in
Panacea.The three were on their way back to Tallahassee after having dinner at Angelo and Son's restaurant."I drove them up there and we conversed all the
way about the changes in the county, what they had to eat, how their
lives were and how my life was," said Angeline Petrandis, an owner of
Angelo and Son's restaurant.Petrandis told WTXL ABC27's Jade Bulecza that she heard the news of the crash after getting back to the restaurant."One of the ladies who worked here came out
running and said somebody's scanner said there was helicopter crash and
it just rocked me because I knew it had to be them," said Petrandis.She jumped in her truck and and found Devore on the ground.Devore was taken to the hospital but the pilot
Terry Ooten and Curtis Clifford were killed. The helicopter is
registered to Tallahassee Helicopters. The owner of the company Dr.
Thomas Diefenbach was a good friend of Ooten's."He was a very a generous person and he's really beloved by so many people in the community," said Dr. Diefenbach.He remembers the trips they took together."We went to California to for the Robinson
helicopter safety course which really helps to make pilots better
pilots. Terry always strived to be the best pilot he could be."It's those memories he'll cherish forever and he's praying for the families and that Devore will have a speedy recovery.The helicopter was owned by Tallahassee
Helicopters and was used by WTXL ABC27 for aerial coverage of news
stories. The helicopter was not being used by WTXL ABC27 at the time of
the accident. None of the people on the helicopter are employed by the
station.Our thoughts are with the families impacted by this tragic accident.http://www.wtxl.comPanacea,
FL - Federal Officials continue to investigate a helicopter crash in
Panacea Saturday night. Two people are dead while one person recovers
from the wreckage. "I seen a big flash of
blue light we thought it was an accident so we came down to check it out
and just seen a lady standing hollering for help standing on the bottom
of a helicopter," explained Michael Carter who was there moments after
the crash.Around 8:00 Saturday evening a
Tallahassee Helicopters chopper crashed in the marsh lands right outside
Carter's home near the Wakulla County Airport."It
kicked in that I needed to call the sheriff's office and do what I
could do to save the lady or at least do what I could do to help save
the lady," said Carter. When emergency
responders arrived they found 49 year old Terry Ooten and 53 year old
Curtis Cliford both dead inside the helicopter. Sheri Devore was the
only one who survived. Sunday the remains
of the helicopter were taken out of the marsh from where it was found
and put in a secure location for investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board. NTSB
Air Safety Investigator, Stephen Stein explained, "Right now we are in
the fact gathering phase of the investigation. So our team assembled on
scene we documented the terrain, the area. We photographed the
wreckage." NTSB says the investigation will
take twelve months to complete and only then will they provide an
explanation as to how this helicopter is now a pile of rubble. It's a scene Carter says he won't ever forget, "Somebody needed help I'd do it all over again."NTSB is asking for anyone with information to please email them at: witness@ntsb.gov.

By: Emily JohnsonUPDATED: February 9, 2014 - 7:55pmPanacea,
FL - "My first visual of them was they finished their meal and they
came to the cash register and the cashier was going to take them to the
airport, but she's so much more efficient on the cash register that I
said let me take them," said Arline Petrandis, owner of Angelo and Sons.Around
7:30 p.m. Saturday night, Petrandis says she drove Curtis Clifford,
Terry Ooten and Sheri Devore back to the Wakulla County Airport.
Petrandis says they talked about the restaurant and the times that the
folks had eaten there."The last thing I
said to them was 'oh what a romantic evening you've had. Tell everybody
that's just wonderful that you flew your helicopter down here to eat at
the restaurant.' They were just totally happy and totally pleasant.
It's a shocking tragedy."Before they could
even start their journey home, authorities say their four passenger
Robinson R-44 helicopter crashed into trees and power lines while
leaving the airport in Panacea.Petrandis says Angelo's restaurant is shocked that something like this happened in the small town."Everybody
was just rocked to be that close to death. To see three people happy
and 10 minutes later two of them have left this world. It rocks you."

Press Release: Tallahassee HelicoptersUPDATED: February 9, 2014 - 7:45pmWe,
at Tallahassee Helicopters, are shocked and deeply hurt to hear of the
tragic accident last night. On Saturday afternoon, Terry Ooten, who has
been a long time customer and close friend to all of us at Tallahassee
Helicopters, rented the helicopter to fly with two of his close friends
to have dinner at a restaurant in Panacea.The
accident occurred as they were taking off to return to Tallahassee from
Wakulla Airport, taking the life of Terry and his friend Curtis
Clifford. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those two families and
friends. We also join with all others in concern for the recovery of
Sheri Devore.Tallahassee Helicopters is collaborating with the FAA and the NTSB in their investigations."

By: Bailey MyersUPDATED: February 9, 2014 - 8amPanacea,
FL – Two Tallahassee men are dead, and woman was injured after their
helicopter crashed into a Wakulla County marshland.“We
had a crash out here of a helicopter,” said Wakulla County Sheriff
Charlie Creel. “We were notified on the way that we had two deceased,
and one survivor.”53-year-old Curtis Robert
Clifford and 49-year-old Terry Bryan Ooten were found dead in the
Tallahassee Helicopters WTXL labeled chopper. The lone survivor is
45-year-old Sheri Noelle Devore.Officials
believe the helicopter had just taken off when it hit trees close to the
Wakulla County Airport’s runway. The helicopter then cut nearby power
lines, and came to rest in a marshy area.“We
were able to treat on victim and have them transported to Tallahassee
Memorial Hospital. We removed the other two victims later on,” said
Wakulla County Fire Rescue Chief Mike Morgan.The
blades of the chopper were visible from the roadway, and teams of
emergency responders spent hours combing through the wreckage.“We don’t know if it was pilot error, mechanical error, we have no idea. That’s left to the NTSB,” Creel said.The
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) were both notified. They will be investigating what
circumstances led up to and resulted in the crash.WTXL says the helicopter was not being used for their news gathering purposes at the time of the crash.

UPDATED: February 8, 2014 - 11:47pmThe Wakulla County Sheriff's Office has released the names of the victims in the helicopter crash.Curtis Robert Clifford, 53 and Terry Bryan Ooten, 49, both of Tallahassee were found dead at the scene of the crash.Sheri
Noelle Devore, 45, of Tallahassee was the lone survivor. She has been
rushed to an area hospital. We are still waiting on her condition.The
Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation and
Safety Board have been notified and will be investigating tomorrow.

UPDATED: February 8, 2014 - 9:09pmTwo
people are dead after a helicopter crash in Panacea Saturday night.
The pilot and a passenger died at the scene. An additional passenger
survived and was taken to an area hospital by Life Flight. The
Wakulla County Sheriff's Office says the crash happened after the
helicopter took off and hit either power lines or tree limbs. The helicopter crashed in a marshy area right by the landing strip.This is not a military helicopter. WCSO has not released the names of the victims yet.

By: James BuecheleFebruary 8, 2014 - 8:45pmPanacea, FL - A helicopter has crashed near the Panacea landing strip in Wakulla County. Wakulla
County Sheriff Charlie Creel has confirmed a helicopter crashed
sometime after 8:00 p.m. on Saturday. A large portion of Panacea is
without power right now.Few details are
known at this time. We have a reporter headed to the scene. As soon as
more information comes in we will post it on WCTV.tvSource: http://www.wctv.tv

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) -- Two people are dead after a helicopter crash in Panacea.

One person survived but at this time, their condition is unknown.

Deputies with the Wakulla County Sheriff's Office are on the scene of the crash.

They
say it happened around eight p.m. They believe the helicopter clipped
some trees before crashing in a marshy wooded area near the airport in
Pancea.

The sheriff's office originally stated the pilot was
53-year old Curtis Robert Clifford, but now they have learned Clifford
was a passenger and 49-year old Terry Bryan Ooten was the pilot. They
were both killed. Another passenger 45-year old Sheri Noelle Devore
survived.

The helicopter was owned by Tallahassee Helicopters.

WTXL partners with the company to gather video of news events.

The
helicopter was not flying for our purposes Saturday. Tallahassee
Helicopters uses the aircraft for training as well as rentals.

Deputies tell us the three flew the helicopters to eat at a restaurant in Panacea.

The crash happened as they were leaving. Our thoughts and prayers our with the families involved.

Here's more information from the Wakulla County Sheriff's Office:

At
approximately 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8 two Tallahassee men were killed
in a helicopter crash at the Wakulla County Airport in Panacea. A
Tallahassee woman was injured and transported to a Tallahassee hospital
with unknown injuries by medical helicopter.

The three
individuals were on their way back to Tallahassee after eating at a
local restaurant. The helicopter clipped a tree limb and crashed and
landed on its top. The tree limb took down a power line which hampered
emergency worker efforts until the line could be turned off. The
helicopter landed in a wooded and marshy area near the airport.

The
FAA and NTSB will be called to the scene to continue the investigation.
The emergency call was answered by FHP, the Ochlockonee Bay VFD,
Wakulla Firefighters and the Wakulla County Sheriff's Office.

The
helicopter was owned by Tallahassee Helicopter and was used for video
footage for news stories for WTXL Channel 27. The helicopter was not
being used by WTXL at the time the accident took place. None of the
people on the helicopter are employees of the television station.

February 8, 2014 8:37 p.m.

PANACEA, Fla. (WTXL)--A helicopter crash in Panacea kills two people.

The
Wakulla County Sheriff's Office says one person survived. The person's
condition is unknown. Deputies say the helicopter is owned by
Tallahassee Helicopters.

Deputies believe the helicopter clipped some trees limbs in a marshy, wooded area around 8 p.m. near the airport.

Less than two years after he crashed his small plane and almost died, bestselling author Richard Bach is back with an inspirational tale about his miraculous recovery.

“Illusions II” was released Feb. 7 on the Kindle Singles platform ($2.99) as a sequel to his 1977 book, “Illusions.”

In his signature tone of carefully modulated bliss, Bach, now 77, leads us through the mental journey that began Aug. 31, 2012, when he was about to land his single-engine plane at a small airport in Washington State. Forty feet off the ground, his wheels caught on power lines, sending the craft into a fiery crash. Emergency vehicles arrived almost instantly, but Bach remained in a coma for a week with a range of life-threatening injuries.

But that’s not how “Illusions II” begins. Instead, Bach writes, “The landing was perfect, a word I rarely use for my flying. A few minutes before the wheels touched the land, they brushed the tops of the grass, the soft gold whispering.”Read more here: http://www.washingtonpost.com

NTSB Identification: WPR12LA38514 CFR Part 91: General AviationAccident occurred Friday, August 31, 2012 in Friday Harbor, WAAircraft: EASTON SEAREY, registration: N346PEInjuries: 1 Serious.This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. NTSB investigators may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.On August 31, 2012, about 1630 Pacific daylight time, an Easton SeaRey amphibian amateur-built airplane, N346PE, sustained substantial damage during impact with wires and terrain while landing near Friday Harbor, Washington. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was seriously injured. The pilot/owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal cross-country flight, which had originated from Eastsound, Washington, approximately 45 minutes before the accident. A flight plan had not been filed.A witness stated the he observed the airplane on short final to a private grass airstrip when it struck power line wires. The aircraft nosed over and impacted terrain.